A Holiday Rant..................

Now..... in this time of holiday for most of the world everyone runs out to help the less fortunate have a "Happy Holiday". That is just dandy. Now during that time if you need help with a utility shut off you get told "there is no money". I have just recently experianced that. With all the fun we have been having with our money issues we have been trying to keep all "IMPORTANT" bills paid and on time which for us is electric and rent, our fuel oil got filled through a state benifit so I did not have to worry about that. Well we thought we were doing good on all counts when a little over a week ago we got a shut off notice for our electric... for $218.... $218??????? how bloody stupid. We called them and asked for an extension until our next pay at the beginning of the month. "No extentions, no partial payments" was the electric companies answer. Now before you ask the previous month we recived electrical assistance due to a high bill through the state to go along with out heating benifit... so we cannot use that. No problem right? Just go to one of the organisations who help with that right? ....wrong!

We went to the local assistance place not affiliated with the state (it is verrrrry local non-national) we went in and asked if they could help at all with the electric. You'll love their response. "No we do not have the money right now, would you like to sign up your kids to get gifts? The woman in charge is out buying them now." Now I know in some things I am a bit slow and I realise that the money for the gifts is probably from a fund just for them.. but I'm sitting there thinking... why they don't help people with more than toys of the christmas dinner? Hell! the school has me on a gift list for my kids, now this "help for the needy" place has me on a gift list and the school bus drives are buying my kids gifts... GREAT! Now what happens if we have no power on the day they are suppose to open those gifts? Why don't charities ask what a family needs? I'm sure my kids are going to have a wonderful holiday and love all the gifts they get including from their grandparents who shower them with gifts... but gods! why don't they asssist with the other things people need?

Now before everyone jumps up about my electric bill we found out something interesting this morning and thankfully it means we won't be shut off... but I have been living in a panic for over a week over worrying over it... seems our local electric company -CANNOT- shut off power during the 2-week period during Christmas and New Year's. But of course... that is in the "fine print" on the back of the bill that no one looks at...my problem is though if that were not there? what would people do? the organisations out there have no money to "help" but have the funds for a Christmas for the kids.... I'm sorry with so many people willing to help give my kids a great christmas I wish one of them would stop to ask what we acctually need.

Now everyone reading this please just realise I am letting off some steam here ok?

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.